WHAT IS TECH FLEX LEADERS?

The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is an immersive, out-of-school time program for juniors and seniors enrolled in high schools in New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami. The program is designed for students interested in technology and now includes a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to reflect the evolving tech landscape.

Through TFL, students will engage in:
  • Weekly technical training sessions taught by industry experts, now including introductory AI concepts and tools to build foundational skills in emerging tech.
  • Professional development workshops that explore identity, leadership, and how to navigate tech careers with confidence.
  • Career days and mentorship opportunities with professionals from leading technology companies, including those working in AI and other advanced tech fields.​​
Program Schedule:
  • The Tech Flex Leaders program meets once a week for 9 months. Cohort options are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday OR Thursday from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.
  • Students are required to attend two (2) mandatory Office Hours over the course of the semester to connect with program leadership. 
  • Student orientation will take place in-person.
  • Technical sessions begin in September. Most sessions will take place via Zoom. Some Technical Sessions, Demo Days and Graduations will be held in-person. Applicants should be able to attend sessions in-person three (3) times a semester. 
Program Curriculum:
  • During the first semester, students will learn how to code through web development, mastering HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, while also being introduced to foundational concepts in AI, such as how AI tools work and how to use them responsibly. The semester will culminate in a Demo Day Competition, where top teams from all cohorts will present their final web projects to a panel of judges.
  • During the second semester, students will choose a specialized tech track to pursue - such as Advanced Web Development, UX Design, Digital Marketing, Product Management, or Data Science - with AI applications and tools integrated into each track to deepen their understanding of how AI is shaping every area of the tech industry. This gives students an additional, future-ready skillset to support their career and education goals.
  • [NYC Only] - After successful completion of the Fall and Spring semesters, interested NYC Tech Flex Leaders in good standing will work with our Access Tech team to obtain a paid, summer tech internship within our robust employer partner network. ​*Students in our LA and Miami programs will be eligible to apply for select roles as they become available. 

Keep reading to learn more about the regional program timelines and benefits of participation! 

TECH TRACKS OFFERED

  • Web Development
  • Digital Marketing
  • Data Science
  • UX Design
  • Product Management
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Web development refers to the process of creating and maintaining websites for the internet. It involves a combination of programming, design, and content management to build functional and visually appealing websites. Web developers use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the structure, layout, and interactivity of web pages. Additionally, they may work with frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular, or Bootstrap to streamline development processes and enhance user experience. The goal of web development is to create websites that are user-friendly, responsive, and meet the needs of both clients and end-users.
Digital marketing is the practice of promoting products or services using digital channels such as websites, social media, email, search engines, and mobile apps. It involves various strategies such as content marketing, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and paid advertising to reach and engage with target audiences online. Digital marketers analyze data and metrics to understand consumer behavior, optimize campaigns, and measure the effectiveness of their efforts. The goal of digital marketing is to increase brand awareness, generate leads, drive website traffic, and ultimately, convert leads into customers.
Data science is the interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. It encompasses various techniques such as data mining, machine learning, and statistical analysis to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations within the data. Data scientists utilize programming languages like Python and R, along with tools like TensorFlow and scikit-learn, to manipulate and analyze large datasets. The ultimate goal of data science is to inform decision-making, solve complex problems, and drive innovation across industries through data-driven insights.
UX design focuses on creating products and services that are user-friendly and satisfying to use. It involves understanding users' needs, behaviors, and motivations through research and observation. UX designers then use this insight to design interfaces and interactions that meet those needs effectively. Through iterative testing and refinement, UX design aims to ensure that the final product delivers a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Product management involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of a product, from its conception to its launch and beyond. Product managers work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and marketers, to ensure that the product meets both user needs and business objectives. They define the product vision, prioritize features, and make strategic decisions based on market research and feedback. Ultimately, product management aims to deliver successful products that solve real problems for users while driving business growth.


2025-2026 PROGRAM INFORMATION
​By Region

  • NEW YORK
  • LOS ANGELES
  • MIAMI
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FALL 2025 SEMESTER

Application Opens 
May 2025
Priority Application Deadline
​July 6, 2025
Final Application Deadline
August 3, 2025
Note: Applications received after August 3rd will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Admissions Decisions sent VIA EMAIL
Late August 
Student Orientation (In-person)
Week of September 8th
Semester 1 Technical and PD Sessions (Hybrid) 
Week of September 15th - Week of December 8th

In-Person Sessions: Week of November 3rd, Week of December 1st 
Fall Demo Day Competition (In-person) 
December 16, 2025​

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER

Spring Student Orientation (In-person)
Week of January 19th (Monday cohorts will start January 12th due to MLK Jr. Day)
Semester 2 Technical and PD Sessions (Hybrid)
Week of January 26th - Week of May 4th

In-Person Sessions: Week of March 23rd, Week of May 4th
Prep for Summer Internships
Ongoing
Graduation Celebration (In-person)
May 14, 2026

SUMMER 2026

Professional Development Bootcamp
June 2026
Paid Tech Internship
July - August 2026
End of Internship Celebration
August 2026

FALL 2025 SEMESTER

Application Opens 
May 2025
Priority Application Deadline
​July 6, 2025
Final Application Deadline
August 3, 2025
Note: Applications received after August 3rd will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Admissions Decisions sent VIA EMAIL 
Late August 
Student Orientation (In-person)
Week of September 8th
Semester 1 Technical and PD Sessions (Hybrid) 
Week of September 15th - Week of December 8th
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In-Person Sessions: Week of November 3rd, Week of December 1st 
Fall Demo Day Competition (In-person) 
December 16, 2025​

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER

Spring Student Orientation (In-person)
Week of January 19th (Monday cohorts will start January 12th due to MLK Jr. Day)
​Semester 2 Technical and PD Sessions (Hybrid)
Week of January 26th - Week of May 4th

In-Person Sessions: Week of March 23rd, Week of May 4th
Graduation (In-person)
May 14, 2026

SUMMER 2026

Students in our LA program will be eligible to apply for select internship roles as they become available. 

FALL 2025 SEMESTER

Application Opens 
May 2025
Priority Application Deadline
​July 6, 2025
Final Application Deadline
August 3, 2025
Note: Applications received after August 3rd will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Admissions Decisions sent VIA EMAIL 
Late August 
Student Orientation (In-person)
Week of September 8th
Semester 1 Technical and PD Sessions (Hybrid) 
Week of September 15th - Week of December 8th

In-Person Sessions: Week of November 3rd, Week of December 1st
Fall Demo Day Competition (In-person) 
December 11, 2025​

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER

Spring Student Orientation (In-person)
Week of January 19th (Monday cohorts will start January 12th due to MLK Jr. Day)
​Semester 2 Technical and PD Sessions (Hybrid)
Week of January 26th - Week of May 4th

In-Person Sessions: Week of March 16th, Week of May 4th
Graduation (In-person)
May 14, 2026

SUMMER 2026

Students in our Miami program will be eligible to apply for select internship roles as they become available. 

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

Students who have participated in Tech Flex Leaders have benefited greatly from the program. Benefits to students include: 
  • ​An opportunity to enhance their technology and digital skills
  • An opportunity to connect with technology professionals 
  • A platform to build a number of individual and group projects 
  • A chance to work with students from different high schools​​
  • Access to AOT's college / university partnerships 
  • ​Access to other opportunities in the AOT network of support
  • A stipend upon completion of the program 
  • [NYC ONLY] During the summer, students will place into paid internships and job opportunities through the AOT employer partner network where they will apply the skills gained in TFL. *Students in our LA and Miami programs will be eligible to apply for select roles as they become available. ​ 
AOT has strong hiring partnerships with such companies and organizations as Accenture, Apartment Therapy, Codecademy, Communitas, The GIANT Room, Girls Inc., InTech Camp, Mott Haven Film Festival, NBCUniversal, Teikametrics, Workopti, and YWCA. TFL alumni have also worked with AOT to secure internships at Amazon, Cisco, Lyft, Microsoft, Mount Sinai, Nielsen, Optum, United Healthcare, Visa, and many more.

SEE WHAT ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​Who is eligible to apply?
Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County public or charter school are eligible to apply. Graduating high school seniors (Class of '25) would not be eligible to participate in the program.​
Do I have to live in New York CitY, Los Angeles, or MIAMI?
Yes. To be eligible to participate in the Tech Flex Leaders program you must be a resident of NYC (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County.
Is the program virtual?
It is hybrid! Most technical sessions take place via Zoom. Some Technical Sessions, Student Orientation, Demo Days and Graduation will be held in-person. Applicants should be able to attend sessions in-person three (3) times a semester. In-person sessions will take place in the following locations:

NYC: Manhattan
LA: Downtown Los Angeles
Miami: Downtown Miami
When will I find out if I am accepted?
Application decisions will be sent out in August via email. Students who are accepted must submit their confirmation form and parent consent packet to reserve their space in the program.
Do I need previous coding experience?
Nope. No prior experience is required - just the desire to learn!
Do I have to pay for this program?
The Tech Flex Leaders Program is completely free! In fact, students who successfully complete the program will earn a stipend.
Do I have to attend every program session?
In order to be able to really learn the material, it is important that you are present for all sessions. Students who cannot commit to the full program should not apply.
What kind of technology do I need to participate?
In order to participate fully you'll need a laptop and/or desktop computer and a stable internet connection with video capability! 
Who should I contact if I have questions about Tech Flex Leaders?
NY Programs: [email protected]
LA Programs: [email protected]
Miami Programs: [email protected]
Questions? Reach out to:
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NYC Programs: [email protected]
LA Programs: [email protected]
Miami Programs: [email protected]